Barry Phillips, the writer of several Somerset cricketer biographies and co-writer of the Somerset Cricketers series, has written a biography of William Stephens Donne. It is likely you have never heard of William, but a hundred years ago his standing and reputation in sporting circles was second to none. A larger than life character in every respect, he was born and lived in Castle Cary where, as its major employer, he was duty-bound to play an active part in the town’s cricket and rugby clubs.
His lasting cricket legacy was to form a touring club, the Devon and Somerset Wanderers. One of these tours was to Paris in 1900, while the city was hosting the second Modern Olympiad. Years later, one of the matches played and won by the Wanderers was deemed to have been an Olympic final between England and France So much has been written about this match that it might be assumed there is nothing further to tell, but the book corrects the identity of one of the players, misidentified for decades, and addresses a question that has perplexed cricket historians – how did these West Country amateurs of average ability ever come to represent their country?
As for William’s rugby, he became President of the English Rugby Union and a national selector. He was heavily involved in the earliest United Kingdom tours by Southern Hemisphere countries, and these tours were not without controversy and incident, particularly those involving the All Blacks. William’s diplomacy and sheer force of personality did much to ensure they were a resounding success.
Outside of sport, William was a successful businessman, continuing the flax manufacturing business that his great, great grandfather started in Castle Cary two centuries ago, and he was loved and respected for the tireless work he did on behalf of his town. You can read about his extraordinary life in LARGER THAN LIFE.
The hardback book is to be published on December 5th 2025, priced £22, and you can contact Barry Phillips (bpwg@sky.com, 07704855278) to pre-order a copy. The book will also be available at Somerset County Sports at the Cooper Associates County Ground or from any bookseller (ISBN 978-1-0369-6400-9).
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